This Month
You can fly from Europe to America for free. There’s just one catch
Delays are an inevitability that clouds travel in the post-COVID world. But in Europe at least, they can have a silver lining.
- Andrew Hobbs
Why free upgrades are a thing of the past (except for politicians)
Feel like a complimentary leg-up into business class is no longer a thing despite your Platinum status? You’re not alone.
- Fiona Carruthers
October
Travel insider: the latest deals for dream holidays
And inspired locations, from an off-grid eco-camp in South Africa to an impossibly chic farm stay in the French countryside.
- Life & Leisure
Art gallery, luxury loos: Cathay’s business class goes next level
Hong Kong’s flagship carrier has unveiled its new business-class offering with an on-board art gallery, sliding privacy doors and touchless flush loos.
- Fiona Carruthers
Virgin rewards big spenders with frequent flyer revamp
The airline hopes the changes will increase the use of points and keep passengers loyal, with higher tiers matching Qantas’ higher-end offerings.
- Ayesha de Kretser
Travel insider: five great deals from the Kimberley to Scandinavia
Plus there’s luxury lodging in the Sri Lankan highlands and a Roman hotel with a rich past.
- Life & Leisure
September
Heading to Melbourne for the footy? It might pay to book a stop-over
Brisbane fans might choose a less-than-ideal path to save a few dollars in the pilgrimage to the MCG this weekend – booking a flight via Sydney or Canberra.
- Ayesha de Kretser
Qantas eyes downtown Tokyo flights as Virgin waits for new planes
Demand for travel to Japan is strong, but not from Cairns, as the red kangaroo tries to muscle in on its rival’s misfortune.
- Ayesha de Kretser
Qantas raises the cost of changing tickets by a whopping 20pc
The airline, which last year pledged to make it easier for travellers to modify flights, says it’s the first time it’s changed this particular fee since 2017.
- Ayesha de Kretser
Air India boss waits for 470 planes to throw down gauntlet to Qantas
Air India’s CEO and Singapore Airlines veteran Campbell Wilson says the airline wants to fly twice daily from Melbourne and Sydney, as Qantas eyes Indian expansion from Perth.
- Ayesha de Kretser
Need to get away? From pyramids to private islands, try these offers
Jump on these deals for spontaneous getaways this month and holidays on the horizon. You’ll be glad you did.
- Life & Leisure
This summer’s most stylish status symbols come from luxury hotels
Forget Dior and Chanel. Wearing swag from beloved holiday properties has suddenly become the latest and hottest fashion trend.
- Sarah Rappaport
August
Caviar in business class? Why bother with first
The luxury is typically only afforded to first class travellers, but Qatar Airways says it will offer it to customers on the 14-hour flight to and from Doha.
- Ayesha de Kretser
July
How much champagne is too much? Depends on the airline you’re flying
We joined Singapore Airlines on a whirlwind tour of its premium suppliers across France’s Champagne region. This is what we learnt.
- Michael Bleby
Did the world’s best business class seat just get better?
Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines are revamping their offering, bringing in new features as competition at the pointy end grows.
- Ayesha de Kretser
The ups and downs of flying business on Singapore Airlines
Great food and privacy in a large bed – if you can find a spot for your feet.
- Ingrid Fuary-Wagner
June
Cost of Perth flights to fall 40 per cent during school holidays
Analysis by the Australian Airports Association shows Melbourne to Perth fares will drop to the lowest levels since 2010.
- Ayesha de Kretser
When in Rome, leave in a private jet: on board a $76.5k group tour
There’s nothing like having a plane chartered for you to take the stress out of travelling between Europe’s great cities and iconic sites.
- Bonnie Campbell
Selling Sunrise: Inside Qantas’ 22-hour ultra-long-haul flight
Can Qantas boss Vanessa Hudson pull off her predecessor’s dream of non-stop travel between Sydney, Melbourne and London? Getting this right will be key.
- Ayesha de Kretser
May
This tiny airline wants to give the big guys a run for their money
Fiji is home to fewer than 1 million people, but its flag carrier is taking the charge to Qantas with an elaborate dining experience for long-haul travellers.
- Ayesha de Kretser
